Comparing Normal Hair Growth To Hair Loss

It is sometimes helpful when dealing with hair loss issues to understand what normal hair growth looks like so that you can understand more of the complexities of hair loss causes and treatments for...

It is sometimes helpful when dealing with hair loss issues to understand what normal hair growth looks like so that you can understand more of the complexities of hair loss causes and treatments for them.

You have two cycles for normal hair: the growth cycle and the resting cycle. Hair normally grows for 2 to 6 years at approximately 1 cm (centimeter) each month during this growth cycle. The individual can have 90% of the hair on the scalp in this growth cycle at any one given time and 10% of hair on the scalp in the resting cycle. Your hair is in the resting cycle for anywhere from two to three months. After this resting cycle the hair falls out. This falling hair is considered to be normal hair loss because everyone with normal hair experiences it. When the amount of hair that is loss is excessive (more than the normal amount), this is what is termed as having “hair loss”. Hair loss can affect children, men and women.

Why is it than that individuals experience excessive hair loss?

There can be several causes for hair loss including hormonal changes such as what occurs during pregnancy or menopause, major stresses to the body in a physical or emotional manner, certain medications taken for medical conditions or diseases can have side effects that include hair loss and also infections can lead to hair loss. These various causes can lead to excessive hair loss. Hair loss can be permanent or it can be temporary depending on the cause and on the treatment.

Medications that can cause hair loss include blood thinners, medications taken for gout, birth control pills, antidepressants, taking too much vitamin A, and also medications taken in the course of chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers can also contribute to hair loss.

Fungal infections can lead to hair loss as well as if you have an infection and have a high fever, the high fever can lead to hair loss.

If your excessive hair loss is due to a side effect from a medication that you are taking your doctor can either adjust your dosage or put you on a different medication so that you can avoid the side effect of hair loss.

Usually if the hair loss is due to an infection, once the high fever subsides, the hair loss will stop too.

Hair loss can also be attributed to improper hair care such as brushing too vigorously on a regular basis or using hair accessories such as those items used to make braids, ponytails or corncribs in such a manner as to have the hair too tight. Prolonged hair that is kept too tight can lead to damage and irritation of the scalp, which can lead to hair loss in the area in which the hair is being pulled.

Speak with your doctor or professional hairstylists if you have any questions regarding proper hair care or if you notice hair loss when you look in the mirror.

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